Detroit Pistons' statistics: Most important numbers so far

The Detroit Pistons have started the year 0-4. But to those who were aware of the schedule, this actually isn’t of much surprise.

Detroit has an absolute gauntlet of a schedule to start the season, and it doesn’t end just yet. There is a very real chance that Detroit starts the year 0-6, having to still play the 76ers and Knicks. What has been surprising, however, is how competitive the Pistons have been in these games against championship-caliber franchises. Let’s dive into some of the numbers for Detroit this year so far.

8/16: Quarters Detroit has won or tied this year

As already stated, Detroit is 0-4. They have yet to close a game out, but that’s not to say they haven’t been close in the games they’ve played. This year, against teams that are expected to compete for a championship, Detroit has won or tied half their quarters. They are playing much better than last year, but just cannot get over the hump and close these games out. 

Just look at the disparity between the 3rd and 4th quarters.

35.2%: Three point percentage per game

One major point of emphasis this offseason from Trajan Langdon was the floor spacing. Cade and Ivey were unfortunately forced to play in a very compact court thanks to Detroit’s below average three point shooting last year. Langdon and co. decided to try and rectify that by trading for Tim Hardaway Jr., and signing Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley. So far, it seems to have worked, to some extent. 

As a team, Detroit is shooting 35.2 percent from deep, which is up from 34 percent last year. They will need to continue to improve, hopefully into the 36/37 range, but improvements are welcome nonetheless. 

The Pistons have to get more from Tobias Harris (17%), Simone Fontecchio (31%) and Isaiah Stewart, who has yet to make a 3-pointer in four games.

44% & 60.8%: Scoring and Usage from Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey

If you have been able to watch any of Detroit’s games thus far this season, you have essentially watched the Cade and Ivey show. Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, together, are scoring just under half of Detroit’s points each night at 44 percent, 26.5 ppg and 20.8 ppg, respectively. Their usage this season is a combined 60.8 percent, meaning they are involved in well over half of Detroit’s offense. 

While they have looked good doing it, that is a lot to ask of just two guys. An off night from either and suddenly Detroit is missing a large piece of their success. Others will need to step up.